Almost everyone in the NFL community recalls the major trade between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams in 2021, which saw longtime Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford head to Los Angeles while Rams quarterback Jared Goff was sent to Detroit. As part of the deal, the Rams acquired Stafford, whereas the Lions received Goff along with a 2021 third-round pick, a 2022 first-round pick, and a 2023 first-round pick.
Now, the Detroit Lions are expected to make another significant trade with the Rams—this time, potentially reuniting Goff with a fan-favorite player from Los Angeles.
Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams Set for Another Trade
On Monday, February 3, Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp shared on X that the team has decided to part ways with him and will seek a trade.
“I was informed that the team will be looking for a trade immediately and will work with me and my family to find the best destination to continue competing for championships,” Kupp stated. “I don’t agree with the decision and always believed my journey would start and finish in LA.”
On a positive note, Kupp mentioned that he is “highly motivated, in peak health, and eager to play top-tier football for years to come.”
The Lions have naturally emerged as a potential landing spot for Kupp. One key reason he could be a strong fit in Detroit is his prior experience playing alongside Jared Goff. Goff was the Rams’ quarterback during Kupp’s first four seasons in the NFL. Additionally, Lions general manager Brad Holmes was the Rams’ Director of College Scouting when Kupp was selected in the third round of the 2017 draft.
Potential Suitors for Kupp
During SportsCenter on Tuesday, February 4, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that league executives have identified four teams expected to pursue Kupp: the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders, and Detroit Lions.
“One league executive pointed to Detroit as a strong possibility due to Jared Goff’s connection,” Fowler shared, as reported by Mike Payton of A to Z Sports. “They entered the league together and reached the Pro Bowl together. That kind of instant chemistry could be exciting.”
The Price Tag for Kupp
Acquiring Kupp wouldn’t come cheap. He is set to earn $20 million this season, split between a $12.5 million base salary and a $7.5 million roster bonus. Of that roster bonus, $5 million was already guaranteed last year, with the remainder set to be guaranteed on March 15. In 2026, Kupp’s contract includes a $14.85 million base salary and a $5 million roster bonus, though that amount is not guaranteed.
NFL analyst Brad Berreman of SideLion Report pointed out in a February 4 article that “it’s likely the Rams will need to cover a significant portion of that $20 million to make a trade feasible. They might even take on the entire $7.5 million roster bonus, depending on the trade agreement.”
